e other is merely
formal,--he approves and signs, like the second notary in notarial
deeds. By this means, the largest failures in Paris are so vigorously
handled that, in spite of the law's delays, they are adjusted, settled,
and secured with such rapidity that within a hundred days the judge can
echo the atrocious saying of the Minister,--"Order reigns in Warsaw."

Du Tillet meant to compass Cesar's commercial death. The names of
the assignees selected through the influence of du Tillet were very
significant to Pillerault. Monsieur Bidault, called Gigonnet,--the
principal creditor,--was the one to take no active part; and Molineux,
the mischievous old man who lost nothing by the failure, was to manage
everything. Du Tillet flung the noble commercial carcass to the little
jackal, that he might torment it as he devoured it. After the meeting
at which the creditors appointed the assignees, little Molineux returned
home "honored," so he said, "by the suffrages of his fellow-citizens";
happy in the prospect of hectoring Birotteau, just as a child
delights in having an insect to maltreat. The landlord, astride of his
hobby,--the law,--begged du Tillet to favor him with his ideas; and he
bought a copy of the commercial Code. Happily, Joseph Lebas, cautioned
by Pillerault, had already requested the president of the Board
of Commerce to select a sagacious and well-meaning commissioner.
Gobenheim-Keller, whom du Tillet hoped to have, found himself displaced
by Monsieur Camusot, a substitute-judge,--a rich silk-merchant, Liberal
in politics, and the owner of the house in which Pillerault lived; a man
counted honorable.

* * * * *

One of the cruellest scenes of Cesar's life was his forced conference
with little Molineux,--the being he had once regarded as a nonentity,
who now by a fiction of law had become Cesar Birotteau. He was compelled
to go to the Cour Batave, to mount the six flights, and re-enter the
miserable appartement of the old man, now his custodian, his _quasi_
judge,--the representative of his creditors. Pillerault accompanied him.

"What is the matter?" said the old man, as Cesar gave vent to an
exclamation.

"Ah, uncle! you do not know the sort of man this Molineux is!"

"I have seen him from time to time for fifteen years past at the cafe
David, where he plays dominoes. That is why I have come with you."

Monsieur Molineux showed the utmost politeness to Pillerault, and much